Gaming in public libraries is all the rage, and for many reasons, including the most important one...It's just plain fun! Check out ilovelibraries.org if you're having a hard time making the connection between games and the library. There was even a National Gaming Day held at libraries nationwide last month, with simultaneous video game tournaments and board games enjoyed by all.

We've been hosting gaming events regularly here at West Valley Branch Library for well over three years now, with our monthly Game On! parties for teens and various events for kids and teens during our Summer Reading Celebration and other times of the year. You can join in the fun at our next scheduled event, a Wii Tournament for Kids & Teens on Thursday, Dec. 23 at 4pm in the West Valley Branch Library's Community Room. Many students will be on Winter Break, so it's a great opportunity to get away from some of the pre-holiday stress at the mall or perhaps take a break from those chores or homework projects at home! Play some classic board games or enter the Wii Tournament for a chance to win a prize.

Stay tuned for more gaming events at West Valley in 2011, including another Wii Tournament scheduled for Jan. 19 at 3:30pm. Let the games begin!

Join us every Wednesday for a fun afternoon of video gaming, which starts at 4pm to 5:30pm inside the community room at the Evergreen Branch Library. Bring your friends and have a good time!

Various games include Just Dance 2 and Mario Kart Wii.